Lebanon is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a growing, vibrant country with a population of approximately 4.5 million, around half of whom are based in the capital city, Beirut.
Primarily a service-based economy, Lebanon has a thriving tourist sector and a tightly regulated banking system. Beirut, known as the Paris of the Middle East, attracts tourists from across the region, and the country's mountainous areas and ski resorts are a major draw in winter. Agriculture too remains an important sector, particularly in the fertile Bekaa Valley and along the Mediterranean coastline.
Lebanon has a highly skilled workforce comparable to that of its European neighbours, who are known for their creativity. The country's large diaspora also makes a significant contribution to the economy, with remittances accounting for around one fifth of GDP.